Why are Toyota Prius sales down?

By Hybrid Cars on 07/26/2010 – 11:12 am PST -- Transportation

. During that time, according to Consumer Reports, JD Power, etc., the Prius has been one of the most reliable and most repeat-buyer-coveted vehicles available. Additionally, many Prius hybrids with old battery packs – less technologically advanced – have survived not just 10 years, but hundreds of thousands of miles without a battery pack replacement. Therefore, newer NiMH-powered hybrids should have even longer life spans. Regardless, in terms of life span, the Prius has proven itself.

Ultimately, the Prius is an exceptionally efficient and likable vehicle, especially for urban commuters – a group of drivers that represents far more than just 2-3 percent of American commuters. And, today, the Prius deals are even better. More important, compared to the 2008 gas spike, for example, Prius buyers are today literally saving several thousand dollars up front on their purchase. (How much gas does several thousand dollars buy for a Prius driver, even at $5.00 per gallon?)

So, seriously, why are Toyota Prius sales down if the battery is on the brink of revolutionizing the auto industry? Where’s the disconnect?

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Allen

“So, seriously, why are Toyota Prius sales down if the battery is on the brink of revolutionizing the auto industry? Whereâ€™s the disconnect?”

Despite the hype the battery isn’t likely about to revolutionize the auto industry. More or less since the car was invented, various people have claimed to be on the brink of such a battery and it hasn’t happened. Why? Because even with new “breakthrough” technologies the energy density of these batteries is minuscule when compared to oil. And just as battery related technologies have been improving, so has the internal combustion engine. It’s unlikely that battery technology will leap frog the internal combustion engine during the next generation let alone anytime soon.

As for why sales are down, I think you touched on it here :

“Ultimately, the Prius is an exceptionally efficient and likable vehicle, especially for urban commuters â€“ a group of drivers that represents far more than just 2-3 percent of American commuters”

While I would disagree with the likeableness of the car – it’s insanely tiny and looks like a possum and a dustbuster mated – there are a lot of people out their that are interested. The question is how interested are they in that sort of vehicle. The problem is that for the extra $$$$ up front, unless someone is putting on serious miles it’s not going to pay off. People are realizing that and with money not flowing as freely as it did during the Fannie-Freddie-Fed fueled housing boon, they’re just not willing to spend the extra $$$$$ just to be green.